Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has contacted a political party in order to seek its help with a group to encourage the release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14491/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government remains very seriously concerned about the large number of hostages being held by FARC. Recent reports about the poor health of French-Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt are particularly worrying.

An all-party Seanad Éireann motion in December 2007 strongly supported the ongoing efforts to seek the release of Ingrid Betancourt. This motion was subsequently debated in the Seanad on 10 April 2008, when Minister of State Michael Ahern T.D. spoke on behalf of the Government. All parties to the debate expressed their extreme concern for the failing health of Ms. Betancourt and condemned the appalling conditions of her continued detention.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, welcomes recent initiatives to pursue negotiations with the FARC in order to secure the release of the hostages and bring an end to the internal armed conflict. Current proposals include the establishment of a demilitarised zone, with international observers, from which hostages could be safely released. The Catholic Church in Colombia has been requested to act as a mediator between the Government and the FARC in pursuing this proposal. Colombia has also endorsed a facilitation role by France, Spain and Switzerland, which has the full support of Ireland. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner is due to travel to Colombia soon to discuss the situation after an international medical mission to Colombia to treat Ingrid Betancourt was denied access by the FARC. I very much hope that these initiatives will be successful.

I would also hope that all those with influence on FARC will use it to respond positively.

We will continue to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country.